Mnemonic
A mnemonic (RpE: /nəˈmɒnᵻk/, AmE: /nɛˈmɑːnɪk/ the first "m" is silent), mnemonic device, or memory device is any learning technique that aids information retention in the human memory.
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Description
Mnemonics aim to translate information into a form that the brain can retain better than its original form.
Commonly encountered mnemonics are often used for lists, and in auditory form, such as short poems, acronyms, or memorable phrases.
Mnemonics can also be used for other types of information, and in visual or kinesthetic forms.
Their use is based on the observation that the human mind more easily remembers spatial, personal, surprising, physical, sexual, humorous, or otherwise "relatable" information, rather than more abstract or impersonal forms of information.
Etymology
The word "mnemonic" is derived from the Ancient Greek word μνημονικός (mnēmonikos), meaning "of memory, or relating to memory" and is related to Mnemosyne ("remembrance"), the name of the goddess of memory in Greek mythology.
Both of these words are derived from μνήμη (mnēmē), "remembrance, memory".
Metaphor
A mnemonic may be a metaphor.
Mnemonics in antiquity
Mnemonics in antiquity were most often considered in the context of what is today known as the art of memory.
Ancient Greeks and Romans distinguished between two types of memory:
- Natural memory
- Artificial memory
Natural memory
Natural memory is inborn, and is the one that everyone uses instinctively.
Artificial memory
The artificial memory in contrast has to be trained and developed through the learning and practice of a variety of mnemonic techniques.
Mnemonic systems
Mnemonic systems are techniques or strategies consciously used to improve memory.
They help use information already stored in long-term memory to make memorization an easier task.
See also
- Acronym
- Learning
- Human memory
- Information
- Knowledge
- Metaphor
- Method of loci
- The Art of Memory by Frances Yates
External links
- Mnemonic @ Wikipedia
